Former Braintree and Billericay defender Joseph Ellul is the latest player to join Maidenhead United, signing from ISPS Handa Premiership side, Tasman United.
The 30-year-old was looking for a return to England after a three-month spell in New Zealand’s top flight.
“I was in talks with a few National League clubs as well as some in the division below,” said Ellul.
“I spoke to a friend that played for Maidenhead a few years ago, and he put me in touch with the manager [Alan Devonshire]. Straight away, I knew it was the club for me.”
Many supporters will remember the centre-half for his performance at York Road while playing for Braintree, where he helped to keep a clean sheet for the Irons before setting off for Tasman United.
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“New Zealand was a great experience for me, but not in footballing terms. The games were much slower, and nowhere near as physical as they are in England. It just wasn’t what I was used to.”
The defender is Alan Devonshire’s sixth signing of the summer and comes just after chief scout Lee Devonshire promised “some new faces,” in an interview with Football in Berkshire last week.
Ellul is excited for the season ahead, and has high expectations of himself and his new teammates.
“I’m looking forward to getting started with pre-season and meeting up with everyone,” he said.
“We’ll be trying to push ourselves for a higher finish in the table, as well as a good run in both the FA Cup and the FA Trophy.”
Ellul is hoping to impress in front of his new supporters, whom he expects will get to know quite a bit about him as a player.
“I think the fans will learn that I’m committed in everything I do and that I always have a winning mindset.
“I think they will realise that I’m a natural winner, and will do all I can to bring the club success.”
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